• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Top 30
    • Research
    • Supply Chain
    • Device Sectors
    • Directory
    • Events
    • Resources
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Top 30
  • Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Device Sectors
  • Directory
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Reprints
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Adding Fabrication Capabilities: Additive Manufacturing for Production Parts

    Delivering the Goods: The Evolving World of Combination Products

    Anxious Undertones: The 2019 Year in Review

    From Art to Science: The Changing Face of Extrusion

    Exact Science: A Micromolding Roundtable
    OEM News
    Supplier News
    Service / Press Releases
    Online Exclusives
    Press Releases
    People in the News
    Product & Service Releases
    Supplier News
    Technical Features
    International News
    Videos
    Product & Service Releases
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    FDA OKs Roche's Nasal Swab MRSA Test

    Philips & Paige to Deliver Clinical-Grade AI Applications to Pathology Labs

    Eye Test for Parkinson's Gains Breakthrough Designation

    Biomerics Forms New Business Unit

    J&J's New Monofocal IOL for Cataract Patients with Astigmatism
    From the Editor
    Blogs
    Guest Opinions
    Top Opinions
    Adding Fabrication Capabilities: Additive Manufacturing for Production Parts

    Delivering the Goods: The Evolving World of Combination Products

    Anxious Undertones: The 2019 Year in Review

    From Art to Science: The Changing Face of Extrusion

    Exact Science: A Micromolding Roundtable
    Top 30 Medical Device Companies
    Market Data
    White Papers
    Top Research
    From Genome Sequencing to the World’s First Portable MRI

    An Update on Digital Health

    ‘If You’re Reading This, You Need to Be at This Meeting’

    Five Steps for Succeeding Globally in Medtech

    Unlocking Market Doors with Real-World Evidence
    3D/Additive Manufacturing
    Contract Manufacturing
    Electronics
    Machining & Laser Processing
    Materials
    Molding
    Packaging & Sterilization
    R&D & Design
    Software & IT
    Testing
    Tubing & Extrusion
    Cardiovascular
    Diagnostics
    Digital Health
    Neurological
    Patient Monitoring
    Surgical
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Outsourcing Directory
    Lyons

    Command Medical Products Inc.

    Glenbrook Technologies Inc.

    S-Y-M Products Company

    Accumold
    MPO Summit
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Industry Associations
    Videos
    Career Central
    eBook
    Slideshows
    Top Resources
    Understanding Key Processes for Mixing APIs with Silicone

    How to Minimize Color Variations in Your Medical Device

    Don’t Touch: Gesture Tech Is Reshaping How We Interact with Devices

    Revenue-Based Financing: A New Form of Growth Capital

    Pre-Filled Safety Syringes and the Self-Administration Trend
    Companies
    News Releases
    Product Releases
    Press Releases
    Product Spec Sheets
    Service Releases
    Case Studies
    White Papers
    Brochures
    Videos
    Outsourcing Directory
    Fusion Biotec Inc.

    RJG Inc.

    S-Y-M Products Company

    FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology Inc.

    Pulse Systems
    • Magazine
      • Current/Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Editions
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • News
    • Directory
      • All Companies
      • ALL CATEGORIES
      • Industry Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Supply Chain
      • 3D/Additive Manufacturing
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Electronics
      • Machining & Laser Processing
      • Materials
      • Molding
      • Packaging & Sterilization
      • R&D & Design
      • Software & IT
      • Testing
      • Tubing & Extrusion
    • Device Sectors
      • Cardiovascular
      • Diagnostics
      • Digital Health
      • Neurological
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Surgical
    • Top 30 Company Report
    • Expert Insights
    • Slideshows
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Resources
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • White Papers
      • Case Studies
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Market Data
    • MPO Summit
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Microsite
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Services
      • White Papers / Tech Papers
      • Press Releases
      • Videos
      • Literature / Brochures
      • Case Studies
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise with Us
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Breaking News

    Implantable 'Teabag' Releases Insulin for Children with Diabetes

    Donor islets are placed inside of the device, which has a special exterior that shields the islets from any attacks from the immune system.

    Implantable
    Klearchos Papas, Ph.D. Images courtesy of UA College of Medicine - Tucson
    Related CONTENT
    • 3D-Printed Tracheal Splints Used in Groundbreaking Pediatric Surgery
    • Implantable Glucose-Powered Sensor Monitors Biological Signals
    • NSF Grant Awarded for Antifouling Materials for Medical Implants
    • Drug-Equipped Polymer Fibers: Medication You Can Wear
    • EMC and Wireless Compliance of Active Implantable Medical Devices
    University of Arizona Health Sciences03.11.19
    Children with Type 1 diabetes have only one option to control their blood sugar: insulin treatment. Ravaged by an autoimmune disease that attacks their own pancreas and islets—microscopic clusters of cells that sense blood sugar and produce insulin—patients are forced to rely on insulin from an external source.
     
    But for the 200,000 youth living with Type 1 diabetes in the United States, insulin shots, pens, and pumps fail to perfectly manage blood sugar, which may lead to long-term complications. When the body fails to tightly regulate sugar levels, like in diabetes, much can go wrong.

    "The absence of this natural ability—minute-to-minute regulation of glucose levels—can result in long-term complications, such as blindness, amputation, and kidney failure," said Klearchos Papas, Ph.D., a professor in the Departments of Surgery and Medical Imaging at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson. "Even with automated insulin delivery devices and continuous glucose monitoring—the best way possible to control your blood sugar—you still can end up with these consequences."
     
    Dr. Papas adds, "Interestingly, if you administer insulin aggressively to help lower and keep your blood sugar in the normal range, you actually increase your risk of potentially deadly hypoglycemic, or low blood sugar, episodes."
     
    For the last two decades, Dr. Papas has been working on a solution to this problem. In collaboration with other scientists across the nation, the UA researcher has been developing a tiny, implantable device that senses glucose levels and releases insulin when needed.
     
    Now, with a two-year, $1.2 million grant from the JDRF, Dr. Papas will continue to perfect and test his device in preparation for clinical trials in humans. The project, which also includes a contribution from Novo Nordisk, is in collaboration with Tom Loudovaris, Ph.D., of St. Vincent's Institute, and Greg Korbutt, Ph.D., of the University of Alberta.
     
    The device operates using a medical innovation known as islet transplantation. In adults with Type 1 diabetes, islets are taken from donor bodies and dripped into the patient's liver, similar to an intravenous, or IV drip.

    Eventually, these islets begin producing insulin for the body, but in order for the patient's body to accept the transplanted cells, the patient must take lifelong immunosuppressive drugs.
    Because of this need for immunosuppressive drugs, islet transplantation is not recommended in children.

    "The need for lifelong immunosuppression is a major concern," said Dr. Papas, who leads the UA Institute for Cellular Transplantation. "Children would be more susceptible to infections and lifelong treatment could cause other serious health conditions."
     

    If taken to market, human islets from donors will be placed in the tea bags, but Dr. Papas believes that islets generated in the lab from human stem cells soon will be available. As part of the two-year study, Novo Nordisk has donated human stem cell-derived islets to test in the tea bags.
    To avoid immunosuppressive medications in children and adults, Dr. Papas' device can protect transplanted insulin-producing islets from the body's attack. Donor islets are placed inside of the implantable, teabag-like device, which has a special exterior that shields the islets from any attacks from the immune system.
     
    "It's like a tea bag," Dr. Papas said. "The tea leaves stay inside but tea, or insulin, comes out. And the tea bag keeps out the immune cells that would normally attack the islets."
    Such tea bag technology has been explored for decades but has not yet made it to patients for routine clinical use. One of the key issues that has limited the technology's success is the large size of the tea bag—at one point analogous to a large flat-screen TV.
     
    The professor also has developed a technology to feed oxygen to the islet cells in the tea bag for optimal health and insulin production.
     
    "The unique thing we bring to the table is the combination of an optimized tea bag with its own oxygen supply," Dr. Papas said. "Islets are happier with an oxygen supply; they survive and function better and this has been overlooked in the past."
     
    Under current plans, the oxygen generator—the size of a stack of quarters—eventually will be implanted alongside the islet tea bag. Implant locations include under the skin of the arm or back. The oxygen generator, which will use battery power, could be recharged without wires or removal from the body using a technology known as transcutaneous energy transfer.
     
    If testing is successful with the two-year JDRF grant, Dr. Papas could launch clinical trials with the device in the next three to four years.
     
    "This is not pie-in-the-sky crazy science," he said. "We believe, engineering-wise, it is achievable. The cells and the biology were the difficult part and they have come a long way in the past five years."
     
    If taken to market, human islets from donors will be placed in the tea bags, but Dr. Papas believes that islets generated in the lab from human stem cells soon will be available. As part of the two-year study, Novo Nordisk has donated human stem cell-derived islets to test in the tea bags. If successful, stem cell-derived islets would make it easier to help treat the millions of people with diabetes.
     
    UA President Robert C. Robbins, M.D., said he is eager to see Dr. Papas and his team continue to develop this promising technology and take the device to market.
     
    "This is an incredible example of the kind of innovative and collaborative research that is taking place on the UA campus that has only recently become possible with the convergence of the physical, biological and digital worlds," Dr. Robbins said. "The work that Dr. Papas and his team are doing to help children with diabetes is a great example of using new technology to significantly improve quality of life for patients, and why the UA is primed to be a leader in developing digital health."
    Related Searches
    • glucose monitoring
    • technology
    • digital health
    • medical
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Surgical
    Suggested For You
    Oxygen-Tracking Method Could Improve Diabetes Treatment Oxygen-Tracking Method Could Improve Diabetes Treatment
    Novo Nordisk Digital Insulin Pen Now Compatible with Abbott Novo Nordisk Digital Insulin Pen Now Compatible with Abbott's FreeStyle Libre CGM
    FDA Orders Doctor to Cease Marketing Unapproved Breast Augmentation Device FDA Orders Doctor to Cease Marketing Unapproved Breast Augmentation Device
    Pill Can Deliver Insulin via Stomach Injection Pill Can Deliver Insulin via Stomach Injection
    Livongo Acquires myStrength to Address Behavioral Health Needs Livongo Acquires myStrength to Address Behavioral Health Needs
    A Primer for Manufacturers Adjusting to Value-Based Healthcare A Primer for Manufacturers Adjusting to Value-Based Healthcare
    Medtronic & IBM Watson Health Launch Hypoglycemia Prediction for Sugar.IQ App Medtronic & IBM Watson Health Launch Hypoglycemia Prediction for Sugar.IQ App
    Battery-Free Implant Aids Weight Loss Battery-Free Implant Aids Weight Loss
    How Value-Based Healthcare Affects Medical Device Development How Value-Based Healthcare Affects Medical Device Development
    Paving the Way for an Alzheimer Paving the Way for an Alzheimer's Saliva Test
    Deciphering Dosage: A Focus on Combination Products Deciphering Dosage: A Focus on Combination Products
    Cotton-Based Hybrid Biofuel Cell Could Power Implantable Devices Cotton-Based Hybrid Biofuel Cell Could Power Implantable Devices
    Bioresorbable Implant Monitors Brain Function After Injuries or Surgeries Bioresorbable Implant Monitors Brain Function After Injuries or Surgeries
    EMC and Wireless Compliance of Active Implantable Medical Devices EMC and Wireless Compliance of Active Implantable Medical Devices
    Drug-Equipped Polymer Fibers: Medication You Can Wear Drug-Equipped Polymer Fibers: Medication You Can Wear

    Related Breaking News

    • Surgical
      J&J

      J&J's New Monofocal IOL for Cataract Patients with Astigmatism

      TECNIS Toric II 1-Piece IOL features more surface texture and friction on IOL haptics.
      PR Newswire 12.05.19

    • Surgical
      First Surgical Robot to Achieve Breakthrough Status Granted to Vicarious Surgical

      First Surgical Robot to Achieve Breakthrough Status Granted to Vicarious Surgical

      The company also appointed former Verb Surgical leader Scott Huennekens to its Board of Directors.
      PR Newswire 12.05.19

    • Surgical
      Grifols Introduces its First Plasma Protein-Based Biosurgery Product

      Grifols Introduces its First Plasma Protein-Based Biosurgery Product

      VISTASEAL, a fibrin sealant developed for biosurgical bleeding-control, contains a combination of two plasma proteins.
      Grifols 12.04.19


    • Surgical
      Levita Magnetics Reaches 1,000th Magnetic Surgery Milestone

      Levita Magnetics Reaches 1,000th Magnetic Surgery Milestone

      Technology offers patients a less invasive alternative in surgical procedures.
      Business Wire 12.04.19

    • 3D/Additive Manufacturing | Patient Monitoring | Surgical
      RSNA News: GE Invests in 3D Printing, Robotic Surgery, and Virtual Patient Monitoring

      RSNA News: GE Invests in 3D Printing, Robotic Surgery, and Virtual Patient Monitoring

      Investments and collaborations in these fields were made with Formlabs, CMR Surgical, and Decisio Health.
      GE Healthcare 12.03.19

    • Cardiovascular | Surgical
      CryoLife

      CryoLife's Thoraco-abdominal Stent Graft Gains CE Mark

      First off-the-shelf option with pre-cannulated inner branch technology.
      PR Newswire 12.03.19


    • Surgical
      Ethicon Launches Device to Help Surgeons Better Manage Bleeding

      Ethicon Launches Device to Help Surgeons Better Manage Bleeding

      Next-generation product simplifies setup and may save valuable operating room time.
      Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies 12.03.19

    • Surgical
      Baxter Acquires Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier

      Baxter Acquires Seprafilm Adhesion Barrier

      Expands advanced surgery portfolio.
      PRNewswire 12.02.19

    • Surgical
      Caliber Ophthalmics Introduces Sharpoint Edge CC3D Plus Product Line

      Caliber Ophthalmics Introduces Sharpoint Edge CC3D Plus Product Line

      Sharpoint Edge CC3D Plus Phaco Incision Knives have vertical micro bevels in its blade geometry that produce a 3-D incision designed to enhance surgeon control.
      PR Newswire 11.20.19


    • Surgical
      Xact Robotics Completes Latest Financing Round

      Xact Robotics Completes Latest Financing Round

      Proceeds total $36M.
      Xact Robotics 11.19.19

    • Diagnostics | Materials | Patient Monitoring | Surgical
      Rebranded Avery Dennison Medical Introduces Eight New Solutions at Medica 2019

      Rebranded Avery Dennison Medical Introduces Eight New Solutions at Medica 2019

      The new entity comprises the former Vancive Medical Technologies and Finesse Medical Ltd.
      Avery Dennison Medical 11.18.19

    • Cardiovascular | Neurological | Surgical
      Neural Networks Enable Autonomous Navigation of Catheters

      Neural Networks Enable Autonomous Navigation of Catheters

      AI support for endovascular stroke therapy.
      Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft 11.18.19

    • Diagnostics | Surgical
      Varex to Highlight Advanced Imaging Components

      Varex to Highlight Advanced Imaging Components

      The company will showcase its digital detectors, X-ray imaging tubes, connect and control devices, and software solutions.
      Business Wire 11.14.19

    • Materials | Surgical
      Evonik and BellaSeno Partner on 3D Printed Breast Implants

      Evonik and BellaSeno Partner on 3D Printed Breast Implants

      Technology designed to improve quality of life for patients after breast reconstruction and augmentation.
      PR Newswire 11.13.19

    • Surgical
      TransEnterix Appoints New President & CEO

      TransEnterix Appoints New President & CEO

      The company promoted TransEnterix COO/CTO Anthony Fernando to the chief executive position.
      Business Wire 11.11.19


    Breaking News
    • FDA OKs Roche's Nasal Swab MRSA Test
    • Philips & Paige to Deliver Clinical-Grade AI Applications to Pathology Labs
    • Eye Test for Parkinson's Gains Breakthrough Designation
    • Biomerics Forms New Business Unit
    • J&J's New Monofocal IOL for Cataract Patients with Astigmatism
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2019

    • Adding Fabrication Capabilities: Additive Manufacturing for Production Parts
    • Delivering the Goods: The Evolving World of Combination Products
    • Anxious Undertones: The 2019 Year in Review
    • View More >
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    International Scientific Society Calls for Omega-3 Blood Testing in Future Research
    Pharmactive Affron Saffron May Help Relieve Depression Symptoms
    Warmer Temperatures Could Lead to Concerning Levels of Arsenic in Rice
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Cristo Rey High School Educator Named 2019 Axalta All-Pro Teacher of the Year
    Michelman Makes United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s List of Top 25 Corporate Campaigns
    BCF: Coatings Industry Reports Record Improvement in Waste, Recycling, Accident Rates
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    FDA OKs Roche's Nasal Swab MRSA Test
    Philips & Paige to Deliver Clinical-Grade AI Applications to Pathology Labs
    Eye Test for Parkinson's Gains Breakthrough Designation
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Almac Awarded $1M BMGF Grant
    Vivera Pharma, Parexel Ink Clinical Services Agreement
    MedPharm Triples Capacity at RTP Site
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    WWP Wins Three NJPEC Awards
    Cat-Themed Beauty Collection to Launch in Japan
    Pantone Names Classic Blue the 2020 Color of the Year
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Lip Lab Opening in Brooklyn
    Raining Rose Expands Exec Team
    Scott’s Sells Personal Care Production Site
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    ePac Flexible Packaging Expands into Asia Pacific Market
    Haney, HP Developing Sustainable Fashion Packaging for Heron Preston
    Addipel Moves to New HQ, Expands Production Facility
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    HP teams with Haney for sustainable packaging
    Tags & Labels Printing adds Heidelberg’s Versafire EP
    Austrian converter installs first Nilpeter press
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Thrace to Relocate U.S. Capacity
    FiltXPO Speaker Line-Up Announced
    Nölken Incorporates Sustainable Wipes Packaging
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Orthofix Appoints New Spine Business Leader
    Viant to Halt EtO Sterilization at Michigan Plant by End of Year
    Synaptive Medical's Modus V Expands Into Spine Market
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    IDTechEx Show! Announces Graphene Award Winner
    OE-A Continues to Bring Future of Printed Electronics to CES 2020
    Avancis, Smit Thermal, HZB, CNRS, Solliace Team for Higher Efficiencies in CIGS

    Copyright © 2019 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.